Hey, I’m a shorter guy (5’3) with a muscular build—small waist, large hips, big quads, and calves. Finding pants that fit has always been hard, but hiking pants are especially tricky.
I’ve ordered at least 8 pairs from popular brands, but none of them worked. If they fit my waist, there’s not enough room in my quads. I tried using belts, but that just created uncomfortable, ugly folds. Someone suggested checking out women’s hiking pants, and I thought it might be a good idea.
Has anyone tried this? Do women’s hiking pants work differently than men’s? And is the sizing the same?
Women’s hiking pants tend to fit tighter all around, especially in the glutes, and they might not have as big pockets. I’m 5’3 as well, and I usually wear Uniqlo pants, even though they’re not specifically made for hiking. I’ve had a good experience with the XS size, and their winter pants with fleece lining have an adjustable waist band, which helps. They’re a bit loose around my quads, so I’d recommend checking them out.
I’m also on the shorter side. I’ve had good luck with Kuhl Renegade pants. They have a 28” inseam, and while they’re not loose-fitting, they give my thighs plenty of room. They work well in different weather conditions. They can be a bit pricey and hard to find, but they’re worth it. Alternatively, if you get pants that are a bit too long, a tailor can shorten them for about $15, and it’s not too complicated. Stretchy fabrics might be tricky, though.
You could look for women’s pants with an elastic waist and a relaxed fit. I have a pair of Prana hiking joggers that are really loose on my legs and have an adjustable waist, which works well for me.
I’ve found women’s hiking pants to be less than ideal for guys with bigger muscles. They assume we’re all thin with no muscle. I usually need to size up by one or two sizes just to fit my quads, even though they’re not huge. I don’t do weightlifting, and I fit into normal pants and leggings fine. I generally stick to men’s hiking clothes.